For 40 summers, GSK Science in the Summer™ has been turning neighborhood libraries and community centers into labs where curiosity leads the way. As the free, hands-on STEM enrichment program marks its 40th anniversary, we’ve launched a new “Be a Chemist!” theme and extended our reach beyond the United States for the first time.
GSK Science in the Summer began in Philadelphia forty years ago, created by retired GSK scientist Dr. Virginia Cunningham to encourage young people to pursue STEM careers. Since then, the program led by The Franklin Institute has reached more than 400,000 youth across the U.S., bringing high-quality, accessible STEM learning into communities nationwide.
GSK Science in the Summer makes STEM exciting, giving students hands-on experience and career inspiration. When kids get to ‘be’ scientists — even for a summer — their confidence grows and science suddenly feels like a space where they belong. We're proud to mark 40 years of this impactful community program."
Becki Lynch
Head of Charitable Investments
Across the U.S., 20,800 students are expected to take part this summer exploring how chemists study materials, test ideas and design useful products. These activities are designed to make chemistry fun and relatable, while helping young people see tangible STEM career paths and picture themselves as future innovators. The Franklin Institute developed the free, ready-to-use curriculum, which is available online at www.scienceinthesummer.fi.edu, alongside training and professional development for educators delivering the program nationwide.
Going global: Be a Chemist! in the UK
In 2026, Science in the Summer has expanded internationally for the first time. Working in collaboration with GSK, The Franklin Institute and OnSide Youth Zones, the “Be a Chemist!” curriculum will run at two London-area OnSide Youth Zones during school holidays. This expansion broadens access to hands-on STEM learning and gives more young people the opportunity to explore chemistry in ways that connect directly to their lives, communities and future.
"Volunteering with GSK Science in the Summer let me share my excitement for unusual physics and chemistry with children —watching our slime transition from a wet, stringy mess to a tough marshmallow as we explored reversible crosslinking and non-Newtonian fluids (Spaghetti!) was a rewarding way to show that real-world science is all around us. When kids have the opportunity to do real science, they learn how to ask questions about the world around them and discover what they can accomplish.” - Glenn Guglietta II, Principal Scientist
A shared commitment to future innovators
GSK’s long-standing support for Science in the Summer reflects a broader commitment to expanding access to STEM education and inspiring future scientists. GSK employees have also supported Science in the Summer by sharing their time, expertise and enthusiasm for STEM with participating students. Through volunteering opportunities, employees have helped bring science to life for young learners, offering firsthand perspectives on what it means to explore, experiment and pursue a career in STEM. Their involvement reflects the shared belief that engaging students early can help spark the curiosity and confidence that inspire the next generation of innovators.
We know how much fun kids have playing with slime, now imagine the fun and curiosity we unleash when we teach them how to make slime! For the “Material Chemist” part of the lesson, kids used glue, borax, corn starch and shaving cream, to make their own ‘cloud slime’. As a mom and a professional engineer, I know how important it is for children to explore and experiment with materials and tools. When kids are hands-on, making messes, getting dirty, they get excited, and connect with the project – you can feel their energy when they ask questions, change ingredients to change the outcomes. That’s the excitement that keeps them wanting to learn more about science.”
